The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their homestand still facing multiple questions in their starting rotation even with Brett Anderson’s return. His 2016 debut lasted all of one inning as Anderson was removed with a mild left wrist sprain.
His injury came on the same day Brandon McCarthy was put on the 15-day disabled list with right hip stiffness. McCarthy made eight starts after returning in July from Tommy John surgery.
With McCarthy unavailable and Anderson’s status in question, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club was likely to activate Bud Norris from the disabled list for Thursday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
That start will instead go to Ross Stripling, with Norris’ return being pushed back one day, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports Radio:
Ross Stripling will start Thursday and Bud Norris has been pushed back to Friday in Cincy #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 16, 2016
Stripling is 3-4 with a 4.07 ERA, 3.66 FIP and 1.22 WHIP in 14 games (10 starts) for the Dodgers. He began the season as the club’s fifth starter and was recalled in late July under the pretense of serving as long reliever.
However, Stripling’s last two games have both been starts. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently praised Stripling for his handling of the changes and various challenges thrown his way.
Norris has been on the disabled list since Aug. 6, retroactive to Aug. 1, with a mild back strain. He threw 5.2 innings, had four strikeouts and allowed one run in a rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday.
Norris is 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA, 4.10 FIP and 1.21 WHIP in seven games (six starts) since being traded to the Dodgers. He was removed with one out in the first inning during his last start after injuring his back on a throw over to first base.
